When one has a girlfriend or a boyfriend and they kiss, is it a sin? ~ Onah Oliseh, Ghana
Let us begin by defining “sin.” “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4 NKJV). Therefore, whatever the Bible specifies as sinful is sinful, whereas whatever the Bible does not specify as sinful is not sinful. All people living today are bound the New Testament portion of the Bible, since the Old Testament (containing Patriarchy and Judaism) has been replaced with the New Testament (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14).
Some form of the word “kiss” appears 48 times throughout the Bible. It becomes apparent quickly that not all kisses are the same, or for the same purpose. Often, the kiss was a form of greeting (Romans 16:16). Sometimes the kiss was a sign of affection (Genesis 31:28; 45:15). Other kisses are passionate, either associated with sin (Proverbs 7:13) or innocent within the confines of marriage (Song of Solomon 1:2).
Whether a contemporary kiss between a boyfriend and a girlfriend is sinful depends on whether it is companion to anything in one of the lists of sins found in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). In addition, we need to be mindful of how other people view something we do, and be careful we do not offend onlookers unnecessarily (Romans 14:21). Further, something may be acceptable to God, yet because of local culture or custom may not be advisable (1 Corinthians 11:16); for instance, public display of affection between members of the opposite sex is banned even in some societies, today.
There are several factors to consider in determining if kissing is sinful. Besides this, culture or custom may have a bearing on the advisability of kissing, too.
